Wolverhampton: Liverpool rekindled their top-four hopes with a 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match that was halted for a scary head injury to Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Former Wolves winger Diogo Jota scored the game’s only goal just before half-time. A breakout near midfield led to the goal. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah played a one-two and Mane laid it off for an onrushing Jota, who squeezed his low shot inside the near post.
This goal was Jota’s first with the club since November 28 and his first since returning from a knee injury earlier this month. The game took a scary turn just minutes from full time. A collision between Patricio and defender Conor Coady left the Portuguese motionless on the pitch. Patricio was taken off the field and replaced by John Ruddy, who came on as a concussion substitute.
“He’s conscious, he remembers what happened and is aware,” Wolves manager Nuno said of Patricio’s status after the match. The victory moved Liverpool to sixth place with 46 points from 29 matches, five points behind Chelsea for the final Champions League spot and two behind fifth-placed West Ham. Wolves, meanwhile, remained in the 13th with 35 points.
“It’s a special game,” Jota said.”I worked here for over three years. I know almost everyone in that dressing room. I just wish the fans could be here to make it even more special. If we play the way we have here I think we have a chance of the top four.”
